Automobile has just tweeted some interesting news on the base Z4 which corroborates a recent report from a ZPOST member. If these reports are correct, the base BMW Z4 will soon be powered by two turbo 4-cylinder variants (sDrive20i and 28i) instead of the current naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder. This would not come as a huge surprise as recent rhetoric from BMW has pointed to the likely use of turbo 4-cylinder engines in future BMW base models (i.e. next generation F30 3-series), especially with improvements in forced induction technology and the overall goal of increasing efficiency throughout its entire fleet.

The exact tweet states "BMW new 4-cyl coming this year in Z4 roadster. Replaces nat asp 6, so at least 200 hp." According to the info below from a ZPOST member, the two new 2.0L engines will output 174hp and 235hp.

On a German forum, a message was posted that states the N52 engine will be replaced by a 2.0 liter turbo engine (130Kw and 175Kw). These new model updates will be called sDrive20i and 28i. According this post also the 35i will get an engine update. I guess some exterior changes will also be part of the new model.

I wouldn't mind a turbo 4 in 3 series, but in a Z4? I don't know, it doesn't appeal to me unless they drop 500 lbs, something like last gen Z3. On the other hand these base model cars are mostly driven by non enthusiast crowd so maybe it makes sense.

IMO, a turbo 4 is going to replace the NA I6 in all of the BMW vehicles with a small footprint. The NA I6 will hang around in a few of the larger cars for a while. This is being driven by the US EPA fuel mileage standards which require greater efficiency for smaller vehicles.

Can't remember exactly where I read it, but it was a "credible" source. Anyway, supposedly, BMW is replacing all NA I6's with turbo 4-cylinders. The only I6's left will be turbocharged. Makes sense when you think about it because doing so will greatly enhance BMW's ability to meet the super strict CAFE standards that are upcoming, especially since the NA I6 is BMW's bread and butter engine here in the U.S.

I would be really surprised if the base model went to 200 BHP....unless it somehow went on some sort of crash diet.

I think the smaller engines will at least be in the same ballpark, as far as power goes, but I would think all models will get lighter...otherwise you will just have underpowered engines pulling heavy vehicles around...which doesn't bode well for fuel economy...

I would be really surprised if the base model went to 200 BHP....unless it somehow went on some sort of crash diet.

I think the smaller engines will at least be in the same ballpark, as far as power goes, but I would think all models will get lighter...otherwise you will just have underpowered engines pulling heavy vehicles around...which doesn't bode well for fuel economy...

you guys in the States are spoiled / used to the powerful versions of the different model ranges. In other parts of the world it is more common to have less powerful engines. The majority of 3 series sold in Europe have less then 200hp, by far!
A turbocharged 4 cylinder with a lot more torque and a better powerband will be beter performing in daily life then a straight six with the same hp. The sound is of course a different thing, especially in a Z4. Let's see how BMW tuned the sound of the FI 4cylinders.

I am told that the X5 will receive the 4cylinder turbo as well by the way. That sounds a bit strange, 4cylinder in such a huge car. You will probable see the street when you open the hood.

This could potentially prove to be awesome for retrofitting into E30's... Just gotta wait for a bunch of morons to crash them and do the R&D. Nice lightweight engine that I'm sure can be chipped for a good chunk more.

Pretty glad BMW is making this move assuming the N54/N55 aren't being replaced or anything (which obviously they won't be for quite a while).

you guys in the States are spoiled / used to the powerful versions of the different model ranges. In other parts of the world it is more common to have less powerful engines. The majority of 3 series sold in Europe have less then 200hp, by far!
A turbocharged 4 cylinder with a lot more torque and a better powerband will be beter performing in daily life then a straight six with the same hp. The sound is of course a different thing, especially in a Z4. Let's see how BMW tuned the sound of the FI 4cylinders.

I am told that the X5 will receive the 4cylinder turbo as well by the way. That sounds a bit strange, 4cylinder in such a huge car. You will probable see the street when you open the hood.

I totally agree--I think BMW realized with the failed 318 that low BHP wasn't going to cut it here in the States.

But I really think a lot of that has to do with weight--other car makers like Porsche and Lotus have shown that less HP can = more if you do well in the weight reduction and handling department.

I am just willing to bet people will see a sub-200 BHP Z and think wtf?

I find it hard to believe the X5 will get a turbo 4 because the X5 has a Turbo I6 as it's base engine. See the pavement, lol. It's going to be some turbo 4 that can haul an X5 around. However, replacing all NA I6 engines with a turbo 4 seems very likely.

I wouldn't mind a turbo 4 in 3 series, but in a Z4? I don't know, it doesn't appeal to me unless they drop 500 lbs, something like last gen Z3. On the other hand these base model cars are mostly driven by non enthusiast crowd so maybe it makes sense.

Well if you've noticed, they want to keep engines universal... i mean they have the N44 (now n55) is so many models

But I really think a lot of that has to do with weight--other car makers like Porsche and Lotus have shown that less HP can = more if you do well in the weight reduction and handling department.

I am just willing to bet people will see a sub-200 BHP Z and think wtf?

+1

There's two things 1) weight and 2) cost.

The z4 is not exactly a lightweight. The 23i/30i with the inline 6 and AT comes in a 1505 Kg or 3317 lbs. Sure it will be a little lighter with a 4 cylinder but not that much especially a TT configuration. The power to weight ratio is poor from a sports car perspective.

Given that and the cost of BMWs around the world, what in some parts of the world the final cost is practically double the vehicle cost. People are going to say, this thing is a supposed to be a sports car (heavy emphasis on sport - i.e., fun) and you want how much money for it? Put down the crack pipe and get serious folks.

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